Ever wondered why a score of one over par is called a bogey? The name isn’t just random golf slang – it has a funny, almost military background that dates back more than a century.
In the late 1800s British golfers used the term “bogey” to describe the score a good player was expected to make on each hole. It was a benchmark, not a punishment. The word itself was already floating around in the army as a nickname for an unseen enemy aircraft – a phantom that pilots had to spot. Golfers borrowed that idea of a “ghost” score and started calling it a “bogey”.
One of the earliest written references appears in a 1890s newspaper where a club announced a “bogey competition”. Players tried to beat the imagined “bogey man” – the ideal score for the course. When the concept of “par” was later introduced in the early 1900s, it took the place of the original bogey. That shift turned the bogey into the score that’s one stroke worse than par, which is how we use it today.
Today, a bogey is simply a hole where you score one stroke over par. It’s a useful yardstick because most amateur golfers finish a round with several bogeys. Knowing where they happen helps you spot problem areas on the course – like a tricky bunker or a tight dogleg.
If you’re trying to lower your score, treat each bogey as a clue. Ask yourself: Did I miss the green in regulation? Was my club selection off? Small adjustments, like aiming a little left on a right‑handed dogleg, can turn a bogey into a par.
Another tip: keep a quick log of every hole where you make a bogey. After a few rounds you’ll see patterns – maybe you always bogey the 7th hole because of a water hazard. Once you know the pattern, you can practice that specific shot and watch the numbers improve.
So the next time you hear “bogey”, remember it started as a phantom score that players tried to chase. It’s not a failure, just a marker that tells you where to focus. Use it, learn from it, and watch your game get tighter.
Unravel the mystery of why golf enthusiasts refer to one stroke over par as a bogey. This article explores the origins of this peculiar term, delving into its Scottish roots and evolution within golf lingo. Learn about the history, impact on player strategy, and tips to avoid hitting bogeys during your game. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a curious newbie, understanding bogeys is key to navigating the course better.